DANWEI – Additional travel over the May 1 holiday did not result in increased rates of reported bird flu H7N9 infections, but stories about quality problems with consumer brands circulated in the Chinese media. A study by a Chinese university this week found that six brands of whitening toothpaste contained 'carcinogenic sulfites'. The China Oral Health Products Industry Association cast some doubt on the methodology of the study, but the news caused a spike in social media conversations in China on the six brands.

DANWEI - This week's Danwei Bulletin focuses on two feature reports from the Chinese media: massive piracy in the market for sanitary pads; and a look at China's so-called 'Moocher Kings', i.e. state-controlled, domestically-listed companies that received the largest government subsidies in 2012.

Commentators debate the wisdom of Chinese consumers rushing into the gold market.

DANWEI - Companies moved quickly to publicize their donations to the relief effort for the April 20 earthquake in Ya'an, Sichuan province. Countering the bad press it received in China recently, Apple donated 50 million yuan, but it was topped by Samsung who donated 60 million yuan. Less visible in the aftermath of this year's earthquake was the opprobrium seen in the wake of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, when a spurious list of the top ten "international iron roosters" accused global brands like Samsung, Nokia and Coca-Cola of donating nothing to the earthquake relief effort despite reaping in millions in profits in China. This time round, companies have been swift and public about their donations. 

Retail investors remain confident about bank wealth management products (WMPs) despite growing regulatory concern and a number of high-profile defaults in recent months, according to new China Confidential survey data. 

Consumer spending, confidence and household income growth moderated slightly in March, according to China Confidential’s latest monthly survey of 600 urban consumers, conducted between March 19 and March 26. Nevertheless, the spending outlook strengthened, living-cost pressures eased, while consumers remain optimistic about the future.

Overall consumer spending, confidence and household income growth remained strong in February, according to China Confidential’s latest monthly survey of 600 urban consumers, conducted between February 18 and February 25. However, spending growth among high-income consumers moderated, while living costs also rose, tempering the consumer outlook.

Spending, confidence and household income all grew further in January, according to China Confidential’s latest monthly survey of 600 urban consumers in over 100 cities nationwide, conducted between January 23 and January 28. However, this was tempered slightly by a rise in living costs.